Roaming the corridors you can see people from all over the world too: Russia, China, Europe and Asia - people looking to establish trade deals andd invest on a continent that economists say is on the rise.

I don't know if anything concrete will come out of the three-day gathering. It could be the usual talk about talks scenario.

A few private individuals and companies could strike lucrative deals but will it trickle down to the millions of poor people across the continent.

On social media most people I asked about the issue were discouraged. They believe nothing tangible will come out of the gathering.

A few are hopeful, but the sentiment seems to be: "Let's pack our bags and leave Africa."

Maybe I am an optimist or naïve, but I don't think Africa is a hopeless basket case.

Yes there are huge problems and challenges ... but it can't all be doom and gloom can it?